Pipecolic acid derivative hair growth compositions and uses

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating alopecia and promoting hair growth using pipecolic acid derivatives.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/869,426, filed on Jun. 4, 1997, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating alopecia and promoting hair growth using pipecolic acid derivatives.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Hair loss occurs in a variety of situations. These situations include male pattern alopecia, alopecia senilis, alopecia areata, diseases accompanied by basic skin lesions or tumors, and systematic disorders such as nutritional disorders and internal secretion disorders. The mechanisms causing hair loss are very complicated, but in some instances can be attributed to aging, genetic disposition, the activation of male hormones, the loss of blood supply to hair follicles, and scalp abnormalities.

[0006] The immunosuppressant drugs FK506, rapamycin and cyclosporin are well known as potent T-cell specific immunosuppressants, and are effective against graft rejection after organ transplantation. It has been reported that topical, but not oral, application of FK506 (Yamamoto et al., J. Invest. Dermatol., 1994, 102,160-164; Jiang et al., J. Invest. Dermatol. 1995, 104,523-525) and cyclosporin (Iwabuchi et al., J. Dermatol. Sci. 1995,9, 64-69) stimulates hair growth in a dose-dependent manner. One form of hair loss, alopecia areata, is known to be associated with autoimmune activities; hence, topically administered immunomodulatory compounds are expected to demonstrate efficacy for treating that type of hair loss. The hair growth stimulating effects of FK506 have been the subject of an international patent filing covering FK5C6 and structures related thereto for hair growth stimulation (Honbo et al., EP 0 423 714 A2). Honbo et al. discloses the use of relatively large tricyclic compounds, known for their immunosuppressive effects, as hair revitalizing agents.

[0007] The hair growth and revitalization effects of FK506 and related agents are disclosed in many U.S. patents (Goulet et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,389; Luly et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,457,111; Goulet et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,532,248; Goulet et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,042; and Ok et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,241; Rupprecht et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,840; Organ et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,877). These patents claim FK506 related compounds. Although they do not claim methods of hair revitalization, they disclose the known use of FK506 for effecting hair growth. Similar to FKSO6 (and the claimed variations in the Honbo et al. patent), the compounds claimed in these patents are relatively large. Further, the cited patents relate to immunomodulatory compounds for use in autoimmune related diseases, for which FK506's efficacy is well known.

[0008] Other U.S. patents disclose the use of cyclosporin and related compounds for hair revitalization (Hauer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,625; Eberle, U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,826; Hewitt et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,996, 193). These patents also relate to compounds useful for treating autoimmune diseases and cite the known use of cyclosporin and related immunosuppressive compounds for hair growth.

[0009] However, immunosuppressive compounds by definition suppress the immune system and also exhibit other toxic side effects. Accordingly, there is a need for non-immunosuppressant, small molecule compounds which are useful as hair revitalizing compounds.

[0010] Hamilton and Steiner disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,547 novel pyrrolidine carboxylate compounds which bind to the immunophilin FKBP12 and stimulate nerve growth, but which lack immunosuppressive effects. Unexpectedly, it has been discovered that these non-immunosuppressant compounds promote hair growth with an efficacy similar to FK506. Yet their novel small molecule structure and non-immuno-suppressive properties differentiate them from FK506 and related immunosuppressive compounds found in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a method for treating alopecia or promoting hair growth in an animal, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a pipecolic acid derivative.

[0012] The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition which comprises:

[0013] (i) an effective amount of a pipecolic acid derivative for treating alopecia or promoting hair growth in an animal; and

[0014] (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0015] The pipecolic acid derivatives used in the inventive methods and pharmaceutical compositions include immunosuppressive and non-immunosuppressive compounds having an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, particularly FKBP12. Non-immunosuppressive compounds, as their name suggests, do not exert any significant immunosuppressive activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a photograph of mice treated with a vehicle after six weeks. FIG. 1 shows that less than 3% of the shaved area is covered with new hair growth when the vehicle (control) is administered.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a photograph of mice treated with 10 μM of a pipecolic acid derivative, GPI 1116, after six weeks. FIG. 2 shows that 90% of the shaved area is covered with new hair growth when GPI 1116 is administered.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a photograph of mice treated with 3 μM of a pipecolic acid derivative, GPI 1102, after six weeks. FIG. 3 shows that 90% of the shaved area is covered with new hair growth when GPI 1102 is administered.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a bar graph plotting the hair growth scores of unshaven animals and shaven animals treated with a vehicle, GPI 1116 (1 μM and 10 μM) , GPI 1102 (1 μM and 3 μM), and a related pipecolic acid derivative neuroimmunophilin FKBP ligand, GPI 1044 (1 μM, 3 μM and 1.0 μM).

[0020]FIG. 5 is a bar graph depicting the relative hair growth indices for C57 Black 6 mice treated with a vehicle, FK506, related neuroimmunophilin FKBP ligand GPI 1206, and GPI 1116,14 days after treatment with each identified compound. FIG. 5 demonstrates the remarkable early hair growth promoted by neuro-immunophilin FKBP ligands.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

[0021] “Alopecia ” refers to deficient hair growth and partial or complete loss of hair, including without limitation androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), toxic alopecia, alopecia senilis, alopecia areata, alopecia pelada and trichotillomania. Alopecia results when the pilar cycle is disturbed. The most frequent phenomenon is a shortening of the hair growth or anagen phase due to cessation of cell proliferation. This results in an early onset of the catagen phase, and consequently a large number of hairs in the telogen phase during which the follicles are detached from the dermal papillae, and the hairs fall out. Alopecia has a number of etiologies, including genetic factors, aging, local and systemic diseases, febrile conditions, mental stresses, hormonal problems, and secondary effects of drugs.

[0022] “GPI 1044” refers to a compound of formula

[0023] wherein B is 3-Phenylpropyl, D is 3-Phenylpropyl, and L is Phenyl.

[0024] “GPI 1102” refers to Compound 98, 4-phenyl-1-(3-phenylpropyl) butyl 1-(3, 3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate.

[0025] “GPI 1116” refers to Compound 103,1-phenethyl-3-phenylpropyl 1-(3, 3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate.

[0026] “GPI 1206” refers to a compound of formula

[0027] “Isomers” refer to different compounds that have the same molecular formula. “Stereoisomers” are isomers that differ only in the way the atoms are arranged in space. “Enantiomers” are a pair of stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. “Diastereoisomers” are stereoisomers which are not mirror images of each other. “Racemic mixture” means a mixture containing equal parts of individual enantiomers. “Non-racemic mixture” is a mixture containing unequal parts of individual enantiomers or stereoisomers.

[0028] “Pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or solvate” refers to a salt, ester, or solvate of a subject compound which possesses the desired pharmacological activity and which is neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable. A salt, ester, or solvate can be formed with inorganic acids such as acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, gluconate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, naphthylate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, sulfate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecancate. Examples of base salts, esters, or solvates include ammonium salts; alkali metal salts, such as sodium and potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, such as calcium and magnesium salts; salts with organic bases, such as dicyclohexylamine salts; N-methyl-D-glucamine; and salts with amino acids, such as arginine, lysine, and so forth. Also, the basic nitrogen-containing groups can be quarternized with such agents as lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chlorides, bromides, and iodides; diaikyl sulfates, such as dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, and diamyl sulfates; long chain halides, such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl, and stearyl chlorides, bromides, and iodides; aralkyl halides, such as benzyl and phenethyl bromides; and others. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products are thereby obtained.

[0029] “Pilar cycle” refers to the life cycle of hair follicles, and includes three phases:

[0030] (1) the anagen phase, the period of active hair growth which, insofar as scalp hair is concerned, lasts about three to five years;

[0031] (2) the catagen phase, the period when growth stops and the follicle atrophies which, insofar as scalp hair is concerned, lasts about one to two weeks; and

[0032] (3) the telogen phase, the rest period when hair progressively separates and finally falls out which, insofar as scalp hair is concerned, lasts about three to four months.

[0033] Normally 80 to 90 percent of the follicles are in the anagen phase, less than 1 percent being in the catagen phase, and the rest being in the telogen phase. In the telogen phase, hair is uniform in diameter with a slightly bulbous, non-pigmented root. By contrast, in the anagen phase, hair has a large colored bulb at its root.

[0034] “Promoting hair growth” refers to maintaining, inducing, stimulating, accelerating, or revitalizing the germination of hair.

[0035] “Treating alopecia” refers to:

[0036] (i) preventing alopecia in an animal which may be predisposed to alopecia; and/or

[0037] (ii) inhibiting, retarding or reducing alopecia; and/or

[0038] (iii) promoting hair growth; and/or

[0039] (iv) prolonging the anagen phase of the hair cycle; and/or

[0040] (v) converting vellus hair to growth as terminal hair. Terminal hair is coarse, pigmented, long hair in which the bulb of the hair follicle is seated deep in the dermis. Vellus hair, on the other hand, is fine, thin, non-pigmented short hair in which the hair bulb is located superficially in the dermis. As alopecia progresses, the hairs change from the terminal to the vellus type.

Methods of the Present Invention

[0041] The present invention relates to a method for treating alopecia or promoting hair growth in an animal, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a pipecolic acid derivative.

[0042] The inventive method is particularly useful for treating male pattern alopecia, alopecia senilis, alopecia areata, alopecia resulting from skin lesions or tumors, alopecia resulting from cancer therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation, and alopecia resulting from systematic disorders such as nutritional disorders and internal secretion disorders.

Pharmaceutical Compositions of the Present Invention

[0043] The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising:

[0044] (i) an effective amount of a pipecolic acid derivative for treating alopecia or promoting hair growth in an animal; and

[0045] (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

PIPECOLIC ACID DERIVATIVES

[0046] The pipecolic acid derivatives used in the methods and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention have an affinity for FKBP-type immunophilins, such as FKBP12. When a pipecolic acid derivative binds to an FKBP-type immunophilin, it has been found to inhibit the prolyl-peptidyl cis-trans isomerase, or rotamase, activity of the binding protein. Unexpectedly, the compounds have also been found to stimulate hair growth. These rotamase inhibiting compounds may be immunosuppressive or non-immunosuppressive. Examples of useful compounds are set forth below.

COMPOUND 1

[0047] Ocain et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol. 192, No. 3, 1993, incorporated herein by reference, discloses an exemplary pipecolic acid derivative represented by Formula I. The compound was synthesized at Wyeth-Ayerst by Dr. Phil Hughes by reaction of 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione with rapamycin.

COMPOUND 2

[0048] Chakraborty et al, Chemistry and Biology, Vol. 2, pp. 157-161, March 1995, incorporated herein by reference , discloses an exemplary pipecolic acid derivative represented by Formula II.

COMPOUNDS 3-5

[0049] Ikeda et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 116, pp. 4143-4144, 1994, incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives represented by Formula III and Table I.

TABLE I Compound Structure 3 n = 1 4 n = 2 5 n = 3

COMPOUNDS 6-9

[0050] Wang et al., Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Vol. 4, No. 9 , pp. 1161-1166, 1994 , incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives represented by Formula IV and Table II.

TABLE II Compound Structure 6 X = H, H 7 X = CH₂ 8 X = H, CH₃ 9 X = O

COMPOUND 10

[0051] Dirkenshaw et al., Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Vol. 4, No. 21, pp. 2501-2506, 1994, incorporated herein by reference, discloses an exemplary pipecolic acid derivative represented by Formula V.

COMPOUNDS 11-21

[0052] Holt et al. , J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 115, pp. 9925-9938, 1993, incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives represented by Formula VI and Tables III and IV.

TABLE III Compound R₂ 11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

[0053] TABLE IV Compound Structure 19

20

21

COMPOUNDS 22-30

[0054] Caffery et al., Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Vol. 4, No. 21, pp. 2507-2510, 1994, incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives represented by Formulas VII-IX and Tables V-VII.

TABLE V Compound Structure 22 y = 1 23 y = 2 24 y = 3

[0055]

TABLE VI Compound Structure 25 n = 1 26 n = 2 27 n = 3

[0056]

TABLE VII Compound Structure 28 n = 1 29 n = 2 30 n = 3

COMPOUND 31

[0057] Teague et al., Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Vol. 3, No. 10, pp. 1947-1950, 1993, incorporated herein by reference, discloses an exemplary pipecolic acid derivative represented by Formula X.

COMPOUNDS 32-34

[0058] Yamashita et al., Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Vol. 4., No. 2, pp. 325-328, 1994, incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives represented by Formula XI and Table VIII.

TABLE VIII Compound Structure 32 R = phenyl 33 K = N(allyl)₂ 34

COMPOUND 35-55

[0059] Holt et al., Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 315-320, 1994, incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives represented by Formula XII and Tables IX-XI.

TABLE IX Compound Structure 35 R =

36 R =

37 R =

38 R =

39 R =

40 R =

41 R =

42 R =

43 R =

44 R =

45 R =

46 R =

47 R =

48 R =

49 R =

50 R =

[0060] TABLE X Compound Structure 51

52

53

[0061] TABLE XI Com- pound Structure 54

55

COMPOUNDS 56-68

[0062] Holt et al., Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Vol. 3, No. 10, pp. 1977-1980, 1993, incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives represented by Formulas XIII and XIV and Tables XII-XIV.

TABLE XII Compound Structure 56 X = OH 57 X = OMe 58 X = Oi Pr 59 X = OBn 60 X = OCH MePh 61 X = OCH₂CHCHPh 62 X = OCH₂CH₂CH₂(3,4-OMe₂)Ph 63 X = NHBn 64 X = NHCH₂CH₂CH₂Ph

[0063]

TABLE XIII Compound Structure 65 R = Me 65 R = En

[0064] TABLE XIV Compound Structure 67

68

COMPOUNDS 69-83

[0065] Hauske et al., J. Med. Chem., Vol. 35 , pp. 4284-4296, 1992, incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives represented by Formulas XV-XVIII and Tables XV-XVIII.

TABLE XV Compound Structure 69 n = 2

R₂ = Phe-o-tert-butyl 70 n = 2

R₂ = Phe-o-tert-butyl

[0066]

TABLE XVI Compound Structure 71 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph R₃ = Val-O-tert-butyl 72 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph R₃ = Leu-O-tert-butyl 73 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph R₃ = Ileu-O-tert-butyl 74 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph R₃ = hexahydro-Phe-O-tert-butyl 75 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph R₃ = allylalanine-O-tert-butyl 76 R₁ = B-naphthyl R₃ = Val-O-tert-butyl

[0067]

TABLE XVII Compound Structure 77 R₁ = CH₂(CO)-m-OCH₃Ph R₄ = CH₂Ph R₅ = OCH₃ 78 R₁ = CH₂(CO)-β-naphthyl R₄ = CH₂Ph R₅ = OCH₃

[0068]

TABLE XVIII Compound Structure 79 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph X = trans-CH═CH R₄ = H Y = OC(O)Ph 80 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph X = trans-CH═CH R₄ = H Y = OC(O)CF₃ 81 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph X = trans-CH=CHI R₄ = — Y = — 82 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph X = trans-CH═CH R₄ = H Y = OCH₂CH═CH₂ 83 R₁ = m-OCH₃Ph X = C═O R₄ = H Y = Ph

COMPOUND 84

[0069] Teague et al., Bioorganic & Med. Chem. Letters, Vol. 4, No. 13, pp. 1581-1584, 1994, incorporated herein by reference, discloses an exemplary pipecolic acid derivative represented by Formula XIX.

COMPOUNDS 85-88

[0070] Stocks et al., Bioorganic & Med. Chem. Letters, Vol. 4, No. 12, pp. 1457-1460, 1994, incorporated herein by reference, discloses exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives represented by Formula XX and Tables XIX and XX. TABLE XIX Compound Structure 85

[0071]

TABLE XX Compound Structure 86 R₁ = H R₂ = OMe R₃ = CH₂OMe 87 R₁ = H R₂ = H R₃ = H 88 R₁ = Me R₂ = H R₃ = H

COMPOUNDS 89-110

[0072] Additional exemplary pipecolic acid derivatives are represented by Formulas XXI-XXV and Tables XXI-XXV.

TABLE XXI Compound Structure 89 R = 3,4-dichloro 90 R = 3,4,5-trimethoxy 91 R = H 92 R = 3-(2,5-Dimethoxy)phenylpropyl 93 R = 3-(3,4-Methylenedioxy)phenyl- propyl

[0073]

TABLE XXII Compound Structure 94 R = 4-(p-Methoxy)butyl 95 R = 3-Phenylpropyl 96 R = 3-(3-Pyridyl)propyl

[0074]

TABLE XXIII Compound Structure  97 R = 3-(Pyridyl)propyl  98 R = 1,7-Diphenyl-4-heptyl  99 R = 4-(4-Methoxy)butyl 100 R = 1-Phenyl-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4- hexyl 101 R = 3-(2,5-Dimethoxy)phenylpropyl 102 R = 3-(3,4-Methylenedioxy)phenylpropyl 103 R = 1,5-Diphenylpentyl

[0075]

TABLE XXIV Compound Structure 104 R = 4-(4-Methoxy)butyl 105 R = 3-Cyclohexylpropyl 106 R = Phenylpropyl

[0076]

TABLE XXV Compound Structure 107 R = 3-Cyclohexylpropyl 108 R = 3-Phenylpropyl 109 R = 4-(4-Methoxy)butyl 110 R = 1,7-Diphenyl-4-heptyl

[0077] The names of some of the compounds identified above are provided below in Table XXVI. TABLE XXVI Compound Name of Species  6 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-(3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl)acetyl]hexahydro-2- pyridinecarboxylate  7 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-(3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl)acryloyl]hexahydro-2- pyridinecarboxylate  8 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-(3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl)propanoyl]hexahydro-2- pyridinecarboxylate  9 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-oxo-2- (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acetyl]hexahydro-2- pyridinecarboxylate 11 3-cyclohexylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2- oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate 12 3-phenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2- oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate 13 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl (2S)-1- (3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2- pyridine-carboxylate 14 (1R)-2,2-dimethyl-1-phenethyl-3-butenyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate 15 (1R)-1,3-diphenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3- dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2- pyridinecarboxylate 16 (1R)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenylpropyl (2S)-1- (3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2- pyridine-carboxylate 17 (1S)-1,3-diphenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3- dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2- pyridinecarboxylate 18 (1S)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenylpropyl (2S)-1- (3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)hexanydro-2- pyridine-carboxylate 19 (22aS)-15,15-dimethylperhydropyrido[2,1- c] [1,9,4]dioxazacyclononadecine-1,12,16,17- tetraone 20 (24aS)-17,17-dimethylperhydropyrido[2,1- c] [1,9,4]dioxazacyclohenicosine-1,14,18,19- tetraone 35 ethyl 1-(2-oxo-3-phenylpropanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 36 ethyl 1-pyruvoyl-2-piperidinecarboxylate 37 ethyl 1-(2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidine- carboxylate 38 ethyl 1-(3-methyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidine- carboxylate 39 ethyl 1-(4-methyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate 40 ethyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate 41 ethyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate 42 4-[2-(ethyloxycarbonyl)piperidino]-2,2- dimethyl-3,4-dioxobutyl acetate 43 ethyl 1-[2-(2-hydrcxytetrahydro-2H-2- pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate 44 ethyl 1-[2-(2-methoxytetrahydro-2H-2- pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate 45 ethyl 1-[2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2- oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate ethyl 1-[2-(1-methoxycyclohexyl)-2- oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate 47 ethyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxoacetyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate 48 ethyl 1-(2-oxo-2-piperidinoacetyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate 49 ethyl 1-[2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-6-pyranyl)-2- oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 50 ethyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate 51 ethyl 1-(4-methyl-2-oxo-1-thioxopentyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate 52 3-phenyipropyl 1-(2-hydroxy-3,3-dimethylpentanoyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 53 (1R)-1-phenyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(3,3- dimethylbutanoyl)-2-piperidine-carboxylate 54 (1R)-1,3-diphenylpropyl 1-(benzylsulfonyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 55 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(benzylsulfonyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E,9S,11R)- 2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7- tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro- 2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidine-carboxylic acid 57 methyl 1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E,9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo- 3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyl- tetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate 58 isopropyl 1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E, 9S,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12- oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3- methyl-tetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 59 benzyl 1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E,9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7- tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyl-tetrahydro-2H- 2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 60 1-phenylethyl 1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E,9S,11R)- 2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7- tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyl-tetrahydro-2H-2- pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 61 (Z)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl 1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6- (2S,3E,5E,7E,9S,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11- trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2- hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2- oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 62 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(2- [(2R,3R, 6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E,95,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy- 3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]- 2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)- 2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidine-carboxylate 63 N2-benzyl-1-(2-[( 2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E,9S,11R)- 2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7- tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyl-tetrahydro- 2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 64 N2-(3-phenylpropyl)-1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E, 7E,9S,11R)-2-13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12- oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3- methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate. 89 (E)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-propenyl 1- (3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidine- carboxylate 90 (E)-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-propenyl 1- (3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidine- carboxylate 91 (E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2- oxo-pentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 92 (E)-3-((3-(2,5-dimethoxy)-phenylpropyl)- phenyl)-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2- oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 93 (E)-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-propenyl 1- (3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidine- carboxylate 94 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 95 3-phenylpropyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)-2- piperidinecarboxylate 96 3-(3-pyridyl)propyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 97 3-(3-pyridyl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2- oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 98 4-phenyl-1-(3-phenylpropyl)butyl 1-(3,2- dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidine-carboxylate 99 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2- oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 100  1-(4-methoxyphenethyl)-4-phenylbutyl 1-(3,3- dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidine-carboxylate 101  3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl- 2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 102  3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl- 2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidine-carboxylate 103  1-phenethyl-3-phenylpropyl 1- (3,3-dimethyl- 2 -oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 104  4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2- oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 105  3-cyclohexylpropyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxoacetyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 106  3-phenylpropyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxoacetyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 107  3-cyclohexylpropyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 108  3-phenylpropyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)- 2-piperidinecarboxylate 109  4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2- oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate 110  4-phenyl-1-(3-phenylpropyl)butyl 1-(3,3- dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidine-carboxylate

[0078] All the compounds of Formulas I-XXV possess asymmetric centers and thus can be produced as mixtures of stereoisomers or as individual R- and S-stereoisomers. The individual stereoisomers may be obtained by using an optically active starting material, by resolving a racemic or non-racemic mixture of an intermediate at some appropriate stage of the synthesis, or by resolving the compounds of Formulas I-XXV. It is understood that the compounds of Formulas I-XXV encompass individual stereoisomers as well as mixtures (racemic and non-racemic) of stereoisomers. Preferably, S-stereoisomers are used in the pharmaceutical compositions and methods of the present invention.

Affinity for FKBP12

[0079] The compounds used in the inventive methods and pharmaceutical compositions have an affinity for the FK506 binding protein, particularly FKBP12. The inhibition of the prolyl peptidyl cis-trans isomerase activity of FKBP may be measured as an indicator of this affinity.

K_(i) Test Procedure

[0080] Inhibition of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (rotamase) activity of the compounds used in the inventive methods and pharmaceutical compositions can be evaluated by known methods described in the literature (Harding et al., Nature, 1989, 341:758-760; Holt et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 115:9923-9938). These values are obtained as apparent KL's and are presented for representative compounds in TABLE XXVII.

[0081] The cis-trans isomerization of an alanine-proline bond in a model substrate, N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide, is monitored spectrophotometrically in a chymotrypsin-coupled assay, which releases para-nitroanilide from the trans form of the substrate. The inhibition of this reaction caused by the addition of different concentrations of inhibitor is determined, and the data is analyzed as a change in first-order rate constant as a function of inhibitor concentration to yield the apparent K₁ values.

[0082] In a plastic cuvette are added 950 mL of ice cold assay buffer (25 mM HEPES, pH 7.8,100 mM NaCl), 10 mL of FKBP (2.5 mM in 10 mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5,100 mM NaCl, 1 mM dithiothreitol), 25 mL of chymotrypsin (50 mg/ml in 1 mM HCl) and 10 mL of test compound at various concentrations in dimethyl sulfoxide. The reaction is initiated by the addition of 5 mL of substrate (succinyl-Ala-Phe-Pro-Phe-para-nitroanilide, 5 mg/mL in 2.35 mM LiCl in trifluoroethanol).

[0083] The absorbance at 390 nm versus time is monitored for 90 seconds using a spectrophotometer and the rate constants are determined from the absorbance versus time data files. TABLE XXVII In Vitro Test Results-Formulas I-XXV Compound K_(i) (μM)  6 140  9 13 11 170 12 250 13 25 15 17 19 12 36 >10,000 41 1300 50 >10,000 89 1800 90 28 91 39 92 75 93 70 94 165 95 740 96 725 97 130 98 30 99 60 100  15 101  12 102  120 103  20 104  103 105  760 106  210 107  32 108  2 109  24 110  5

Route of Administration

[0084] To effectively treat alopecia or promote hair growth, the compounds used in the inventive methods and pharmaceutical compositions must readily affect the targeted areas. For these purposes, the compounds are preferably administered topically to the skin.

[0085] For topical application to the skin, the compounds can be formulated into suitable ointments containing the compounds suspended or dissolved in, for example, mixtures with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the compounds can be formulated into suitable lotions or creams containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture of one or more of the following: mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl ester wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

[0086] Other routes of administration known in the pharmaceutical art are also contemplated by this invention.

Dosage

[0087] Dosage levels on the order of about 0.1 mg to about 10,000 mg of the active ingredient compound are useful in the treatment of the above conditions, with preferred levels of about 0.1 mg to about 1,000 mg. The specific dose level for any particular patient will vary depending upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific compound employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration; the rate of excretion; drug combination; the severity of the particular disease being treated; and the form of administration. Typically, in vitro dosage-effect results provide useful guidance on the proper doses for patient administration. Studies in animal models are also helpful. The considerations for determining the proper dose levels are well known in the art.

[0088] The compounds can be administered with other hair revitalizing agents. Specific dose levels for the other hair revitalizing agents will depend upon the factors previously stated and the effectiveness of the drug combination.

EXAMPLES

[0089] The following examples are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limitations thereon. Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are based upon 100% by weight of the final composition.

Example 1

[0090] In Vivo Hair Generation Tests With C57 Black 6 Mice Experiment A: C57 black 6 mice were used to demonstrate the hair revitalizing properties of pipecolic acid derivatives GPI 1116 and GPI 1102, as well as related pipecolic acid derivative neuroimmunophilin FKBP ligand GPI 1044. C57 black 6 mice, approximately 7 weeks old, had an area of about 2 inches by 2 inches on their hindquarters shaved to remove all existing hair. Care was taken not to nick or cause abrasion to the underlaying dermal layers. The animals were in anagen growth phase, as indicated by the pinkish color of the skin. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, four animals were treated by topical administration with 20% propylene glycol vehicle (FIG. 1), and seven animals per group were treated by topical administration with 10 μM GPI 1116 (FIG. 2), or 3 μM GPI 1102 (FIG. 3). The animals were treated with vehicle, GPI 1116, or GPI 1102 every 48 hours (3 applications total over the course of 5 days) and the hair growth was allowed to proceed for 6 weeks. Hair growth was quantitated by the percent of shaved area covered by new hair growth during this time period.

[0091]FIG. 1 shows that animals treated with vehicle exhibited only a small amount of hair growth in patches or tufts, with less than 3% of the shaved area covered with new growth. In contrast, FIGS. 2 and 3 show that animals treated with 10 μM GPI 1116 and 3 μM GPI 1102 exhibited dramatic hair growth, covering as much as 50% of the shaved area in some animals. FIG. 4 compares the hair growth score of unshaven animals with the hair growth scores of shaven animals treated with a vehicle, GPI 1116 (1 μM and 10 μM) , GPI 1102 (1 μM and 3 μM), and related neuroimmunophilin FKBP ligand GPI 1044 (1 μM, 3 μM and 10 μM).

[0092] Experiment B: C57 Black 6 mice were used to demonstrate the hair revitalizing properties of neuroimmunophilin FKBP ligands, including GPI 1116. C57 Black 6 mice, 55 to 75 days old, had an area of about 2 inches by 2 inches on their hindquarters shaved to remove all existing hair. Care was taken not to nick or cause abrasion to the underlying dermal layers. The animals were in a anagen growth phase when shaved. Five animals per group were treated by topical administration with a vehicle, FK506, or a neuroimmunophilin FKBP ligand (GPI 1116 or 1206) at a concentration of one micromole per milliliter to the shaved area. The animals were treated three times per week, and hair growth was evaluated 14 days after initiation of treatment. Hair growth was quantitated by the percent of shaved area covered by new hair growth, as scored by a blinded observer, on a scale of 0 (no growth) to five (complete hair regrowth in shaved area).

[0093]FIG. 5 shows that after 14 days, the animals treated with vehicle exhibited the beginning of growth in small tufts. In contrast, animals treated with one of the neuroimmunophilin FKBP ligands exhibited dramatic hair growth.

Example 2

[0094] A lotion comprising the following composition may be prepared. (%) 95% Ethanol 80.0  a pipecolic acid derivative as defined above 10.0  α-Tocopherol acetate  0.01 Ethylene oxide (40 mole) adducts of hardened 0.5 castor oil purified water 9.0 perfume and dye q.s.

[0095] Into 95% ethanol are added a pipecolic acid derivative, α-tocopherol acetate, ethylene oxide (40 mole) adducts of hardened castor oil, perfume and a dye. The resulting mixture is stirred and dissolved, and purified water is added to the mixture to obtain a transparent liquid lotion.

[0096] 5 ml of the lotion may be applied once or twice per day to a site having marked baldness or alopecia.

Example 3

[0097] A lotion comprising the following composition shown may be prepared. (%) 95% Ethanol 80.0 a pipecolic acid derivative as defined above 0.005 Hinokitol 0.01 Ethylene oxide (40 mole) adducts of hardened 0.5 castor oil Purified water 19.0 Perfume and dye q.s.

[0098] Into 95% ethanol are added a pipecolic acid derivative, hinokitol, ethylene oxide (40 mole) adducts of hardened castor oil, perfume, and a dye. The resulting mixture is stirred, and purified water is added to the mixture to obtain a transparent liquid lotion.

[0099] The lotion may be applied by spraying once to 4 times per day to a site having marked baldness or alopecia.

Example 4

[0100] An emulsion may be prepared from A phase and B phase having the following compositions. (%) (A phase) Whale wax 0.5 Cetanol 2.0 Petrolatum 5.0 Squalane 10.0 Polyoxyethylene (10 mole) monostearate 2.0 Sorbitan monooleate 1.0 a pipecolic acid derivative as defined above 0.01 (B phase) Glycerine 10.0 Purified water 69.0 Perfume, dye, and preservative q.s.

[0101] The A phase and the , B phase are respectively heated and melted and maintained at 80° C. Both phases are then mixed and cooled under stirring to normal temperature to obtain an emulsion.

[0102] The emulsion may be applied by spraying once to four times per day to a site having marked baldness or alopecia.

Example 5

[0103] A cream may be prepared from A phase and B phase having the following compositions. (%) (A Phase) Fluid paraffin 5.0 Cetostearyl alcohol 5.5 Petrolatum 5.5 Glycerine monostearate 33.0 Polyoxyethylene (20 mole) 2-octyldodecyl 3.0 ether Propylparaben 0.3 (B Phase) a pipecolic acid derivative as defined above 0.8 Glycerine 7.0 Dipropylene glycol 20.0 Polyethylene glycol 4000 5.0 Sodium Hexametaphosphate 0.005 Purified water 44.895

[0104] The A phase is heated and melted, and maintained at 70° C. The B phase is added into the A phase and the mixture is stirred to obtain an emulsion. The emulsion is then cooled to obtain a cream.

[0105] The cream may be applied once to 4 times per day to a site having marked baldness or alopecia.

Example 6

[0106] A liquid comprising the following composition may be prepared. (%) Polyoxyethylene butyl ether 20.0 Ethanol 50.0 a pipecolic acid derivative as defined above 0.001 Propylene glycol 5.0 Polyoxyethylene hardened castor oil 0.4 derivative (ethylene oxide 80 mole adducts) Perfume q.s. Purified water q.s.

[0107] Into ethanol are added polyoxypropylene butyl ether, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene hardened castor oil, a pipecolic acid derivative, and perfume. The resulting mixture is stirred, and purified water is added to the mixture to obtain a liquid.

[0108] The liquid may be applied once to 4 times per day to a site having marked baldness or alopecia.

Example 7

[0109] A shampoo comprising the following composition may be prepared. (%) Sodium laurylsulfate 5.0 Triethanolamine laurylsulfate 5.0 Betaine lauryldimethylaminoacetate 6.0 Ethylene glycol distearate 2.0 Polyethylene glycol 5.0 a pipecolic acid derivative as defined above 5.0 Ethanol 2.0 Perfume 0.3 Purified water 69.7

[0110] Into 69.7 of purified water are added 5.0 g of sodium laurylsulfate, 5.0 g of triethanolamine laurylsulfate, 6.0 g of betaine lauryldimethyl-aminoacetate. Then a mixture obtained by adding 5.0 g of a pipecolic acid derivative, 5.0 g of polyethylene glycol, and 2.0 g of ethylene glycol distearate to 2.0 g of ethanol, followed by stirring, and 0.3 g of perfume are successively added. The resulting mixture is heated and subsequently cooled to obtain a shampoo.

[0111] The shampoo may be used on the scalp once or twice per day.

Example 8

[0112] A patient is suffering from alopecia senilis. A pipecolic acid derivative as identified above, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, may be administered to the patient. Increased hair growth is expected to occur following treatment.

Example 9

[0113] A patient is suffering from male pattern alopecia. A pipecolic acid derivative as identified above, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, may be administered to the patient. Increased hair growth is expected to occur following treatment.

Example 10

[0114] A patient is suffering from alopecia areata. A pipecolic acid derivative as identified above, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, may be administered to the patient. Increased hair growth is expected to occur following treatment.

Example 11

[0115] A patient is suffering from hair loss caused by skin lesions. A pipecolic acid derivative as identified above, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, may be administered to the patient. Increased hair growth is expected to occur following treatment.

Example 12

[0116] A patient is suffering from hair loss caused by tumors. A pipecolic acid derivative as identified above, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, may be administered to the patient. Increased hair growth is expected to occur following treatment.

Example 13

[0117] A patient is suffering from hair loss caused by a systematic disorder, such as a nutritional disorder or an internal secretion disorder. A pipecolic acid derivative as identified above, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, may be administered to the patient. Increased hair growth is expected to occur following treatment.

Example 14

[0118] A patient is suffering from hair loss caused by chemotherapy. A pipecolic acid derivative as identified above, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, may be administered to the patient. Increased hair growth is expected to occur following treatment.

Example 15

[0119] A patient is suffering from hair loss caused by radiation. A pipecolic acid derivative as identified above, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, may be administered to the patient. Increased hair growth is expected to occur following treatment.

[0120] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method for treating alopecia or promoting hair growth in an animal, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a pipecolic acid derivative.
 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative has an affinity for an FKBP-type immunophilin.
 3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the FK EP-type immunophilin is FK BP-12.
 4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is immunosuppressive.
 5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is non-immunosuppressive.
 6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is Way-124,
 666. 7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is rapamycin.
 8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is Rap-Pa.
 9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is SLB-506.
 10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is selected from the group consisting of: 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acetyl]hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acryloyl]hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propanoyl]hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-oxo-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acetyl]hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 3-cyclohexylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl -2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1R)-2,2-dimethyl-1-phenethyl-3-butenyl (2S)-1-(3, 3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1R)-1,3-diphenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro -2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1R)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1S)-1,3-diphenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1S)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (22aS)-15,15-dimethylperhydropyrido[2,1-c][1,9,4]dioxazacyclononadecine-1,12,16,17-tetraone; (24aS)-17,17-dimethylperhydropyrido [2,1- c][1,9,4]dioxazacyclohenicosine-1,14,18, 19-tetraone; ethyl 1-(2-oxo-3-phenylpropanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-pyruvoyl-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(3-methyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(4-methyl-2-oxoper -tanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-[2-(ethyloxycarbonyl) piperidino]-2, 2-dimethyl-3, 4-dioxobutyl acetate; ethyl 1-[2-(2-hydroxytetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxcacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-[2-(2-methoxytetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxcacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-[2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2-oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-[2-(1-methoxycycl ahexyl)-2-oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(2-oxo-2-piperidinoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-[2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-6-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(4-methyl-2-oxo-1-thioxopentyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl 1-(2-hydroxy-3,3-dimethylpentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (1R)-1-phenyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethylbutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (1R)-1,3-diphenylpropyl 1-(benzylsulfonyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(benzylsulfonyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 1-(2-[(2R, 3R, 6S)-6-[(2S, 3E,5E, 7E, 9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2- pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid; methyl 1-(2-[(2R, 3R, 6S)-6-[(2S, 3E, 5E, 7E, 9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7- tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; isopropyl 1-(2, 3,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,SE,7E,9S,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; benzyl 1-(2-[(2R, 3R, 6S)-6-[(2S, 3E, SE, 7E, 9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 1-phenylethyl 1-(2-(2R, 3R, 6S)-6-(2S, 3E, SE, 7E, 9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (Z)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl 1-(2-[2R,3R, 6c l -6-[(2S, 3E, SE, 7E, 9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9 ,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E,9s,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3, .9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxcacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; N2- benzyl-1-(2-(2R , 3R , 6S )-6-[(2S,3 9,SE,7E,9S,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxcacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; N2-(3-phenylpropyl)-1-(2-[(2R , 3R , 6S)-6-(2S, 3E, 5E, 7E, 9S, 1R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (E)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (E)-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarbcxylate; (E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (E)-3-((3-(2,5-dimethoxy)-phenylpropyl)phenyl)-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (E)-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(3-pyridyl)propyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(3-pyridyl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-phenyl-1-(3-phenylpropyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 1-(4-methoxyphenethyl)-4-phenylbutyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(2,5-dim eethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 1-phenethyl-3-phenylpropyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-cyclohexylpropyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxcacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-cyclohexylpropyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-phenyl-1-(3-phenylpropyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and solvates thereof.
 11. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises: (i) an effective amount of a pipecolic acid derivative for treating alopecia or promoting hair growth in an animal; and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative has an affinity for an FKBP-type immunophilin.
 13. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 12 , wherein the FKBP-type immunophilin is FKBP-12.
 14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is immunosuppressive.
 15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is non-immunosuppressive.
 16. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is Way-124,666.
 17. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is rapamycin.
 18. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is Rap-Pa.
 19. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is SLB-506.
 20. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11 , wherein the pipecolic acid derivative is selected from the group consisting of: 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acetyl]hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acryloyl ]hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-(3, 4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) propanoyl]hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl (2S)-1-[2-oxo-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acetyl]hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 3-cyclohexylpropyl (2S) l-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1R)-2,2-dimethyl-1-phenethyl-3-butenyl (2S)-1-(3, 3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1R)-1,3-diphenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1R)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3- dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1S)-1,3-diphenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (1S)-1-cyclohexyl-3-phenylpropyl (2S)-1-(3, 3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl) hexahydro-2-pyridinecarboxylate; (22aS)-15,15-dimethylperhydropyrido[2,1-c][1,9,4]dioxazacyclononadecine-1,12,16,17-tetraone; (24aS)-17,17-dimethylperhydropyrido [2,1-c][1,9,4]dioxazacyclohenicosine-1,14,18, 19-tetraone; ethyl 1-(2-oxo-3-phenylpropanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-pyruvoyl -2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(3-methyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(4-methyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-[2-(ethyloxycarbonyl)piperidino]-2,2-dimethyl-3,4-dioxobutyl acetate; ethyl 1-[2-(2-hydroxytetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-[2-(2-methoxytetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-[2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2-oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-[2-(1-methoxycyclohexyl)-2-oxoacetyl]-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(2-oxo-2-piperidinoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-[2-(3,4-dihydro-2H-6-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl I-(2-oxo-2-phenylacecyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; ethyl 1-(4-methyl-2-oxo-1-thioxopentyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl 1-(2-hydroxy-3,3-dimethylpentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (1R)-1-phenyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethylbutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (1R)-1,3-diphenylpropyl 1-(benzylsulfonyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(benzylsulfonyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 1-(2-[(2R,3R, ,6S)-6-[(2S,3E, 5E,7E,9S,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid; methyl 1-(2-(2R,3R, 6S)-6-[(2S, 3E, 5E, 7E, 9S, 11R); 2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; isopropyl 1-(2-[(2R, 3 1R, 6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E ,7E ,9S,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; benzyl 1-(2-[(2R, 3R, 6S)-6-[(2S, 3E, SE, 7E, 9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarbcxylate; 1-phenylethyl 1-(2-[(2R, 3 R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E,9S,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (Z)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl 1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S, 3E, 5E, 7E, 9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(2-[(2R,3R,6S)-6-[(2S,3E,5E,7E,9S,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; N 2- benzyl-1-(2-[(2R , 3R, 6S)-6-[(2S, 3E,5E,7E,9S,11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; N2-(3-phenylpropyl)-1-(2-[(2R, 3R, 6S)-6-[(2S,3E, SE, 7E, 9S, 11R)-2,13-dimethoxy-3,9,11-trimethyl-12-oxo-3,5,7-tridecatrienyl]-2-hydroxy-3-methyltetrahydro-2 H-2-pyranyl)-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (E)-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (E)-3-(3,4,-5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-propenyl-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (E)-3-((3-(2,5-dimethoxy)-phenylpropyl)phenyl)-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; (E)-3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-propenyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(3-pyridyl)propyl 1-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(3-pyridyl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentancyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-phenyl-1-(3-phenylpropyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 1-(4-methoxyphenethyl)-4-phenylbutyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentancyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)propyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 1-phenethyl-3-phenylpropyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxopentanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxcacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-cyclohexylpropyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxoacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl 1-(2-cyclohexyl-2-oxcacetyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-cyclohexylpropyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 3-phenylpropyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; 4-phenyl-1-(3-phenylpropyl)butyl 1-(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxobutanoyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylate; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and solvates thereof. 